New builds are a specialist market in the capital. There is no shortage of developers and propositions, but not all new homes offer value for money or quality accommodation. This article highlights the newest developments that stand out from the rest. They are all brand new constructions with planning permission, several of them also with planning agreements signed and construction work started. Most importantly they represent good value for money and desirable locations with characterful architecture. Let’s take a look at some examples...
You’re likely to find new builds in central London, where there are many redevelopment projects planned and underway. The most central neighbourhoods are likely to be: - - West End - Soho, Fitzrovia and Covent Garden where new developments are largely focused on commercial real estate by developers such as the Crown Estate and Land Securities. - Mayfair and St James’s - Largely focused on the luxury residential sector with super-prime developments from the likes of the Candy Brothers and the Reuben brothers. - The City of London - The City of London Corporation is undertaking a massive regeneration program known as The London Plan. More than £10 billion of public and private investment is being injected into the City, including to the Barbican, Moorgate and the Central London Grid.
The Ballymore Group are one of the top tier developers in London. They have been operating in the city since 2005 and are currently building over 40 developments worth £3 billion. They are best known for their Neo-Art Deco inspired ‘One New Change’ tower adjacent to St. Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. Ballymore’s portfolio of new builds also includes the Archbar and City Hoo projects in the City, The Delancey and Trinity Place in the West End, and the Nifty Fifty tower in Southwark. All of the Ballymore developments are fully contracted.
Shoreditch has been one of London’s most fashionable districts for well over a decade. While gentrification has brought with it higher property prices, it has also attracted a diverse range of people. The area is becoming increasingly family-friendly, with the Hoxton Mini Great project, the Shoreditch Children’s Festival and the Museum of Children’s Art. The Shawmebrook Group are currently constructing two new builds here. The Hoxton Square apartments are a Neo-Art Deco inspired development, with 47 apartments in five buildings surrounding a central garden. The Shawmebrook Group have also collaborated with the creative studio Bart Squibb to create the Hoxton Squibb. A 10-storey complex with a rooftop garden, it offers 58 apartments, duplex penthouses and sky gardens.
There are many registered providers active in the new builds market, some of them have built up long-standing track records and a reputation for constructing high-quality, energy-efficient and well-detailed new builds homes. Registered providers are listed on the government’s Build Now, Pay Later website and you can also see details of their latest developments below. - Berkeley - The Berkeley Group are one of the largest developers in the U.K. They are renowned for their green and sustainable developments, such as Clarendon Square and Albany Quadrant in Greenwich, and many of their new builds are also currently under construction. - Bouygues - The Paris-headquartered Bouygues are currently constructing two new builds in North London. The first, Woodberry Grove, is an 11-storey development with 19 apartments and landscaped gardens. Their other new build, Stirling Square, is a 9-storey building with 24 apartments and roof gardens. - British Land - One of the largest real estate companies in the U.K. British Land have recently completed their 10-storey Brompton West development in South Kensington, with a total of 66 homes. They are also currently constructing their 13-storey Kensington Square project in the same neighbourhood, which will offer 108 apartments. - Canary Wharf Group - The New developments by the Canary Wharf Group are located near London’s biggest tech hubs in Shoreditch, Finsbury Park and Whitechapel. They have recently completed their 10-store-high building at Apex, Finsbury Square, with a total of 177 apartments.
Art Deco is one of the most popular architectural styles of the 20th century and is enjoying a revival among developers today. London has many iconic Art Deco buildings and Architects often look to this period for inspiration. One of the most popular Art Deco-inspired developments is the Manhattan Loft Gardens in Bethnal Green, east London. The Manhattan Loft Gardens will be a collection of five buildings with a total of 153 apartments and was designed by the renowned Chetwoods Architects. The development is due to complete in 2021. Another popular Art Deco-inspired development is the One Blackfriars, which is currently under construction at Black Friars, near the River Thames in South London. The 13-storey building contains 100 apartments and was designed by Squibb Architecture. One Blackfriars and Manhattan Loft Gardens are members of the Prime Buyer Collective – a group of developers who have come together to provide a better service for homebuyers.
The Thames is one of London’s most important landmarks, and a source of both economic and social activity. It is also a main thoroughfare for the city, connecting Central and North London with the South. A number of new developments are currently under construction along the Thames, promising city dwellers everything from spectacular views to easy commutes over water. The Terminus Place development by the Coin Wethaland joint venture was completed in 2018 and offers an incredible 17-storey building with 84 apartments. The Prince’s Building project by the same joint venture is due to be completed in 2020 and will offer 69 apartments. The One Blackfriars development by the Squibb Architecture joint venture is due to be completed in 2021 and will offer 100 apartments. The Meridian Tower development by the Stirling Wethaland joint venture is expected to be completed in 2019 and will offer 81 apartments.
Central London’s reputation as a global financial hub, cultural powerhouse and global city makes it a prime location for new development and investment. As a result, there is a wide variety of new builds in Central London, ranging from super-prime developments in Mayfair and St. James’s to affordable housing in the East End. Central London’s accessibility, attractions, diverse population and high employment rates make it a very attractive location for new developments.
